Kekaha

Kekaha, a tranquil haven on the western shores of Kauai, Hawaii, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rustic appeal. It’s a place where expansive golden beaches meet clear azure waters, and lush fields, creating a harmonious blend of a rugged coastline and a tropical utopia.

As you venture into Kekaha, you’re welcomed by sprawling sugarcane fields that extend towards the horizon, offering a glimpse into Kauai’s agricultural heritage. The town itself is an enchanting amalgamation of plantation-style structures and contemporary storefronts, with many edifices tracing their origins back to the early 20th century.

Kekaha’s crowning glory lies in its pristine beaches, considered among Hawaii’s finest. From the extensive sandy expanse of Kekaha Beach Park to the rocky precipices of Barking Sands Beach, there’s a plethora of awe-inspiring vistas and activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

Kekaha transcends its natural allure, serving as a center for local culture and craftsmanship. The town hosts numerous galleries and studios where visitors can observe local artisans in action and acquire unique, handcrafted items. The Kekaha Sugar Mill, formerly Hawaii’s largest sugar plantation, has been repurposed into a community center that accommodates several small enterprises, including a coffee roastery, a chocolate factory, and a surfboard shaping workshop.

Despite its multitude of attractions, Kekaha retains its serene, easy-going ambiance, offering a respite from Honolulu’s hustle. It’s a place where you can experience authentic Hawaiian living, whether you’re seeking beachside relaxation, outdoor exploration, or cultural immersion. Kekaha is an idyllic spot for your Hawaiian escapade.

Flights To Kekaha

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Kekaha

  • Book in advance: Flight prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, so it’s best to book your flight several months in advance.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like SkyscannerKayakEarlytripsTicketsawayMycityflights and Google Flights can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deals on flights to Kekaha. You can also set up price alerts to notify you when prices drop.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates to find the cheapest flights.
  • Consider alternative airports: Lihue Airport is the closest airport to Kekaha, but there are other airports on neighboring islands that may offer cheaper flights. Consider flying into one of these airports and taking a ferry or inter-island flight to Kauai.
  • Look for budget airlines: Some budget airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, offer cheaper fares than traditional airlines. Be sure to check their websites for any current promotions or discounts.
  • Sign up for airline newsletters: Many airlines offer exclusive deals and promotions to their newsletter subscribers. Sign up for the newsletters of airlines that fly to Kauai to stay informed of any cheap flights to Kekaha.
  • Use travel rewards credit cards: If you frequently travel, consider getting a travel rewards credit card that offers points or miles for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. These points can be used to book free or discounted flights to Kekaha.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Kekaha Beach Park: A long, sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
  2. Barking Sands Beach: A unique beach with a distinctive “singing” or “barking” sound that occurs when the sand is walked upon.
  3. Polihale State Park: A remote and secluded beach with breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast, popular for camping and stargazing.
Historical Sites
  1. Kekaha Sugar Mill: This was once the largest sugar plantation in Hawaii, now mill has been converted into a community hub that houses several small businesses, including a coffee roastery, a chocolate factory, and a surfboard shaper.
  2. Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park: A historic fort built by Russian fur traders in the early 1800s, offering a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii’s multicultural history.
Arts and Culture
  1. Talk Story Bookstore: A charming independent bookstore that sells new, used, and rare books, as well as local art and crafts.
  2. Island Art Gallery: A cooperative gallery featuring the work of local artists, offering a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Shopping and Dinning
  1. Kauai Island Brewery & Grill: A local brewery and restaurant that offers a variety of craft beers and pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
  2. JoJo’s Shave Ice: A popular local spot for shave ice, a Hawaiian dessert made from finely shaved ice and flavored with fruit syrups.
  3. Kekaha General Store: A historic general store that sells snacks, drinks, and sundries, as well as local products like coffee, honey, and jams.
  4. Aloha Exchange: A local shop that sells Hawaiian-style clothing, accessories, and gifts, as well as souvenirs and trinkets.
  5. Kauai Coffee Company: A local coffee farm and roaster that offers tours, tastings, and retail sales of its award-winning coffee.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Kekaha Beach Park: This long, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it a great spot for spotting tropical fish and sea turtles.
  2. Polihale State Park: This remote and secluded beach is located at the end of the road on the western coast of Kauai. With breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast, this beach is a popular spot for camping and stargazing.
  3. Waimea Canyon State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers stunning views of deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and lush vegetation. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top of the canyon for breathtaking views.
  4. Koke’e State Park: This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the park’s lush forests, scenic trails, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
  5. Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park: This historic fort was built by Russian fur traders in the early 1800s and offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii’s multicultural history. Visitors can explore the fort’s ruins, hike the surrounding trails, and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean.
  6. Kauai Coffee Company: This local coffee farm and roaster offers tours, tastings, and retail sales of its award-winning coffee. Visitors can learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, and sample some of the best coffee in Hawaii.
  7. Kauai Island Brewery & Grill: This local brewery and restaurant offers a variety of craft beers and pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer and a bite to eat while taking in the beautiful views of the ocean.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Koloa, ~38 miles from Kekaha): This luxurious 4.7-star resort boasts a beachfront location, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, pools, and evening luaus. It’s a great choice for those seeking a high-end experience with plenty of activities and pampering.
  • The West Inn Kauai (Waimea, ~8 miles from Kekaha): This relaxed 4.2-star hotel offers a more casual and affordable option compared to the Grand Hyatt. It features rooms and apartments with a patio and BBQ area, plus free Wi-Fi.
  • Waimea Plantation Cottages (Waimea, ~8 miles from Kekaha): This 4.6-star resort provides a unique plantation-style experience with period cottages offering 1 to 3 bedrooms. It features an outdoor pool, BBQs, and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxed and scenic stay.
  • Marjorie’s Kauai Inn (Lawai, ~12 miles from Kekaha): This charming 5.0-star bed and breakfast boasts a hilltop location with country-style rooms featuring kitchenettes. It offers free beach gear and a pool/hot tub, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • The Kauai Inn: Located in Lihue, about 30 minutes from Kekaha, the Kauai Inn is a budget-friendly hotel with 24 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and free parking.
  • Aston at the Harbor: Located in Nawiliwili, about 35 minutes from Kekaha, Aston at the Harbor is a budget-friendly hotel with 64 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and free parking.
  • Plantation Hale Suites: Located in Kapaa, about 45 minutes from Kekaha, Plantation Hale Suites is a budget-friendly hotel with 50 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and free parking.
  • The ISO Hawaiian Beachfront Cottages: Located in Eleele, about 15 minutes from Kekaha, The ISO Hawaiian Beachfront Cottages is a budget-friendly hotel with 10 cottages. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and free parking.
  • The Garden Island Inn: Located in Kapaa, about 45 minutes from Kekaha, The Garden Island Inn is a budget-friendly hotel with 28 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, and free parking.

Best Time To Visit

Weather

Peak Season: December to April – Warmest and driest months, but also the most crowded and expensive.

Shoulder Season: May to October – Fewer crowds and lower prices, but the weather can be more unpredictable.

Wet Season: November to March – Cooler and wetter, with higher rainfall.

Events

Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival: October – Celebrates Kauai’s chocolate and coffee industries.

Kauai Marathon: September – Large-scale marathon race.

Waimea Town Celebration: February – Cultural festival with music, dance, and food.

Crowds

Peak Season: Expect large crowds and higher prices, especially at popular attractions and accommodations.

Shoulder Season: Fewer crowds and lower prices, but some attractions and tours may have limited availability.

Wet Season: Fewer crowds than the peak season, but the weather can be more unpredictable.

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